MP bid for dog attack law

John Healey, MP

Published:16:00Saturday 12 October 2013

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A growing number of savage dog attacks in the Dearne has led an MP to call for tougher prevention laws.

Local MP John Healey is calling on the Government to close the loophole preventing prosecution if a dog attacks on private property, and bring in Dog Control Notices, to give police more power and enable local councils to act on dog-related crimes and anti-social behaviour, whatever the breed of dog.

Last month Rebecca Lowman of Goldthorpe, Rotherham, suffered serious injuries after going to help a woman in her own home and being set upon by a family dog.

Mr Healey said: “Ministers have been dragging their feet for three years, during which time thousands of people have suffered injuries.

“The government needs to go further and bring in Dog Control Notices, as already exist in Scotland, and early intervention powers to stop irresponsible owners and backstreet breeders.”

The government intends to update the 1991 Act within the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill which is currently passing through Parliament and will reach report stage next week. Mr Healey will speak during the debate to call on the Government to go further than it has indicated it plans to do.

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